US troops arrive in Nigeria to help train its military, Nigerian military says

Associated Press (AP)EN 2 min read 100% complete by By DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYANFebruary 16, 2026 at 07:23 PM

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Approximately 100 U.S. troops have arrived in Nigeria with equipment to train the Nigerian military. This deployment follows a request from the Nigerian government for U.S. assistance with training, technical support, and intelligence sharing in its fight against Islamic militants and other armed groups. The U.S. troops will not engage in combat, and Nigerian forces will retain command authority. This development comes after previous tensions between the U.S. and Nigeria regarding the protection of Christians, an accusation the Nigerian government denies. Nigeria faces ongoing conflict with various armed groups, including Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and other militants, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

UN 40% Samaila Uba 50% Sahel 50% U.S. Africa Command 50% Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin 50% Islamic State West Africa Province 60% Donald Trump 60% Boko Haram 60% Islamic State 70% Nigerian Military ×280% United States ×590% Nigeria ×10100%

Keywords

nigeria 100% islamic militants 90% us troops 90% armed groups 80% military training 80% islamic state 70% boko haram 70% intelligence-sharing 60% internal security 60% sahel region 50%